Contents of the ASILIB.DOC file

ASILIB is a library of subroutines which greatly extend the capabilities of the ASIC compiler. All ASILIB subroutines were written in Assembly language.

WHY USE ASILIB?

80/20 Software's ASIC compiler is a simple, reliable compiler that produces fast, compact compiled programs. However, ASIC's built-in capabilities are quite limited compared with many other programming languages. Fortunately for us, ASIC has provision for linking external subroutines to the main code in order to provide additional capabilities.

Do you want to use EMS or XMS memory? Do you want more graphics modes? Do you want fast, reliable file I/O, or want to use more than 3 files at a time? This is where ASILIB comes in. ASILIB's subroutines provide many functions and screen modes which are impossible with ASIC alone, as well as many other handy functions.

DISCLAIMER

Each ASILIB routine has been tested extensively, but since I cannot foresee every possible use or abuse of ASILIB, I cannot be held responsible for any damages resulting from its use.

DISTRIBUTION and REGISTRATION

ASILIB is user-supported shareware, NOT public domain software. The ASILIB files you have received are the complete ASILIB package, fully linkable with your ASIC object modules to create stand-alone .EXE programs. These files may be distributed freely in un-altered form, but if you use ASILIB in your ASIC programs, you are expected to register.

The advantages of registering are many:

Registered users receive the latest version available when they register and may upgrade at any time for the paltry fee of $10.00.

Any questions or problems should be sent to me at the above address. Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you are not a registered user, or for fastest response, send a message on CompuServe.

ASILIB is a rapidly evolving library, so it is likely that by the time you register there will be several additional routines or refinements to existing routines available.

HOW DO I USE ASILIB?

ASILIB is designed for use with 80/20 Software's ASIC compiler version 4.0 or greater. To use ASILIB, you must use ASIC's "object file output" feature. This also requires that you have a copy of Microsoft's LINK.EXE or a similar linker. Many ASILIB subroutines also require ASIC's Extended math option.

From the ASIC development enviornment, select "Advanced options" from the Compile menu, and choose:

1) Obj output file 2) liBrary names ... if you are using ASIC 4, enter ASI4LIB if you are using ASIC 5, enter ASI5LIB 3) Link.exe path ... enter the name of the directory where LINK.EXE is located.

If you prefer to use the DOS command line, compile and link your ASIC source code using ASICC: (lower case= you supply the correct name)